Many people collect firewood when it arrives from the colder weather. Although using firewood as a fuel source in fireplaces or stoves can help reduce energy expenditure, it is essential to keep in mind that not all types of wood are suitable for burning. There are some types of wood that are more toxic when burned and are not recommended at all.
Therefore, in this article we are going to tell you what type of wood you should not burn in the fireplace and because.
What type of wood should you not burn in the fireplace?
When choosing firewood for your fireplace, it is important to take into account the different types of wood and their properties. While some varieties of natural wood can burn safely if dried out and not treated properly, others can be harmful or even toxic. Therefore, it is essential to be able to identify different species of wood to make informed decisions. An example of Wood that should never be used in a fireplace is Laburnum, also known as Golden Shower.
This small to medium-sized tree produces yellow flowers in the spring, but each part is considered poisonous and can be lethal in large quantities. Symptoms of poisoning include drowsiness, coma, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, foaming at the mouth, and unevenly dilated pupils.
Burning Laburnum wood releases acrid smoke that can contaminate food and cause serious reactions due to exposure to the tree's toxins. In the same way, You should also avoid poison sumac based on its name alone, as it suggests that it is not suitable for use as firewood.
It is imperative to refrain from using poison sumac as firewood due to its toxic nature. The trunk of the tree contains urushiol oil, which is known to cause skin rashes. Even the smoke produced by burning sumac contains traces of urushiol and can cause serious skin or lung reactions if inhaled. This precaution also applies to poison dogwood, poison elder, poison sambuco, and poison oak.
It is important to avoid burning wood from trees close to these poisonous species, as well as any unidentified pieces of wood. While it may be tempting to collect scrap wood for your fire, always make sure you know its origin to avoid potential dangers. Also, never burn wood that has been treated with chemicals such as paint, varnish, or wood stain, as this can release harmful fumes.
Consequences of burning toxic types of wood
Burning certain types of wood can have disastrous consequences, such as uncontrollable fires and even explosions. Non-native wood poses a different risk, as it can harbor pests or diseases that can harm local plant life. For this reason, experts strongly advise against burning wood of unknown origin, even if it seems like a good deal. Poorly stored wood can also present problems, as it can become damp and develop mold. Mold is particularly dangerous for people with allergies, weakened immune systems, or respiratory conditions. Microscopic mold spores can be dispersed into the air or transferred to clothing upon contact with wood. Before using the wood as firewood, it is essential to eliminate any mold present. This can be achieved by completely drying the wood and then scraping the mold.
It is not recommended to use wet wood in the fireplace due to the excessive smoke it produces, which can raise combustion gas levels and reduce heat production. In the same way, Burning wet wood in a wood stove with the door open poses the risk of releasing harmful gases into the living space.
There are some people who burn firewood that is floating in the seas. However, the process for the wood to dry is very long. Furthermore, even if it manages to dry out, it is not recommended to use it due to its exposure to salt and minerals in the water. Burning this wood causes the emission of harmful toxins that can have detrimental effects on well-being.
It is not advisable to burn wood contaminated with fungi. The act of burning creates air currents that can disperse fungal spores, leading to potential skin and respiratory complications.
Yew, oleander and poison laurel are examples of non-fuel tree species. Inhalation of smoke emitted by these trees, whether burned indoors or outdoors, can cause severe irritation, allergic responses, or lung toxicity.
Woods that you can burn
Now that we have seen the types of wood that are not recommended to burn, let's analyze those that you can use for combustion:
- Oak: Known for its density and high energy content, oak is an excellent choice for burning in fireplaces. Burns slowly and produces constant, long-lasting heat. Plus, it generates very little smoke, which helps keep your chimney flue clean.
- Haya: This wood is prized for its ability to burn evenly and generate intense heat. Beech produces hot, long-lasting embers, making it ideal for keeping a fireplace burning for long periods of time. It also produces a pleasant fragrance when burned.
- Walnut: Hickory is another popular choice for burning in fireplaces due to its high energy content and ability to produce hot embers. Although it may be a little more difficult to light compared to other woods, once it is burning, it provides a constant, even heat.
- Alder: This wood is known for burning quickly and producing moderate heat. It is ideal for lighting the initial fire in the fireplace, as it lights easily and helps to quickly heat the environment. However, due to its rapid consumption, it is advisable to combine alder with other denser woods to maintain the fire for longer.
- Fir and pine: Although spruce and pine are common and widely available, they are not the best choices for burning in indoor fireplaces due to their high resin content. These resins can spark and cause creosote buildup in the flue, increasing the risk of fire.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about what type of wood you should not burn in the fireplace.